Un Bouquiniste dans l'ivresse 1844

"Un Bouquiniste dans l'ivresse" (1844) is a lithograph by Honoré Daumier that depicts a bookseller, or "bouquiniste," overwhelmed by his love for literature. Daumier was a prolific artist known for his satirical caricatures and social commentary, particularly of the Parisian bourgeoisie. In this work, Daumier's masterful use of line and shading conveys the bookseller's intense passion, creating a sense of both humor and pathos. His exaggerated features and gesturing hands speak to his excitement and the potential madness of an obsessive collector. The text below the image reinforces the humor, suggesting the bookseller's blind enthusiasm for a flawed edition. This work is representative of Daumier's style and provides insight into the social dynamics and eccentricities of 19th-century Parisian life.